Chapter Twenty-Three

Ava

"This looks amazing," Blair announces the moment she steps inside the community center where the double baby shower is being hosted today.

"Ava did the decorations. Aren't they amazing?" Ellie states with a huge smile on her face.

"Oh my goodness," Hallie coos, her eyes filling with tears as she and Logan enter.

"You two completely outdid yourselves," Blair adds.

"Well, we had help. The moms all pitched in too," Ellie says, looking around proudly.

She came up with an exquisite menu of sweet and savory treats, complete with a massive charcuterie board and homemade dessert bars, cookies, and cupcakes. The spread is impressive, but her presentation puts it over the top.

"Do you need help with anything?" Logan asks, looking a little nervous. While both he and Gabe are excited to become dads within the next month or two, I'm not sure the same could be said about attending today's baby shower.

"Gabe's in the kitchen," I tell him, to which he practically runs off to find the other man in attendance today.

"All right, so our two expecting mamas are going to sit in the rockers up front," Ellie states. "The future grandmas get the table right up front."

"And games?" Blair asks, giving a look toward Hallie.

"No games," I confirm.

"Thank you, Jesus! I hate playing games at showers. They're so awkward," Hallie says.

"Agreed. That's why we decided not to do them. We'll just snack on lots of delicious food and watch you ladies open gifts."

Blair gives me a grateful grin. "That sounds perfect, thank you."

The next two hours pass by in a blur of eating food and watching the two mommies-to-be open their gifts. I wrote the gift list for Hallie, while Ellie took care of Blair's stuff. They received some amazing necessities for their babies, and by the end of the shower, they were both on the verge of tears with gratitude and appreciation. Logan and Gabe hung in there too, helping open gifts by holding the contents up for the guests to see.

Of course, they really enjoyed the food too.

Now, there's only a handful of us left, cleaning up after the party. The guys, including TD, are loading up the gifts into trucks, while Ellie and I finish dividing up the leftover food into to-go containers. She had the forethought to bring several along, knowing there would most likely be extras.

The first few we packaged up went home with the moms, or the grandmas-to-be, as a thank you for helping us set up and clean afterward. Next, we're making sure Blair and Gabe and Logan and Hallie have goodies to take home. They'll have plenty to snack on while they're setting up the baby rooms with their new goodies. And if there's any left, which it appears there will be, Ellie and I will take those.

Since Gavin doesn't have Annabelle this week, I'm thinking about calling him to see if he wants to share some later. I snacked enough throughout the day I won't need to eat a big meal this evening, so leftover meat, cheese, fruit, and veggies might be just what the doctor ordered. Then, there'll be some of the sweet treats left for afterward. You know, dessert.

Gavin and cherry cheesecake bombs sound like an amazing way to end the evening.

Well, maybe topping it off with sex before heading home to my lonely bed.

"Earth to Ava."

I blink at Ellie, surprised I was spacing out enough not to hear her speaking to me. "What? I'm sorry, I was zoned out."

She gives me a slow, knowing grin. "I remember that feeling."

"What feeling?" I ask, keeping my hands busy by loading up the rest of the cheese cubes into the final two to-go containers.

"Being in love when it was still so new. It's a mixture of terrifying and exhilarating."

I stand here, wide-eyed, staring at my friend. "I'm not…I mean, I don't know…" I swallow over the massive lump formed in my throat and watch her. She has the softest grin on her beautiful face, and her eyes are filled with truth and wisdom. It wasn't too long ago she realized how much she truly loved her best friend. TD was always there for her and her teenage son, Brody, silently pining over her since we were in high school. When he finally decided to make his move, they realized his feelings weren't one-sided, and they've been together ever since. Of course, like any real relationship, it hasn't come without bumps in the road, but they came out stronger on the other side because of them.

"It's okay if you're not ready to admit it yet. Being in love is a huge step," she replies, closing the lids on the final two containers.

I open my mouth to argue, but nothing comes out. I can't deny it, because she's one-hundred-percent correct. I'm in love with Gavin. Somewhere between our non-date date and stealing nights together, I fell madly in love with him.

But it's too soon, isn't it?

I know it's been a little more than seven weeks, but that doesn't seem long enough to get to know someone, finding out all the things that make them tick, and falling for them, good and bad. Yet, I feel like I know Gavin better than I know anyone else. He's kind, caring, supportive, and a tad bit on the bossy side. He's excellent at his job and worships his daughter. He's also a little crabby when his back hurts and he gets annoyed quickly in higher traffic cities like St. Paul. But he's still one of the best men I've ever met, and I'm so grateful he's willing to do this whole dating in private thing with me, because life has been a whole lot better with him in it.

Glancing over my shoulder to make sure we're still alone, I whisper, "I wasn't planning on falling for him."

Ellie flashes me a cheeky grin. "We never plan on it. Love just sort of swoops in and smacks ya upside the head. It comes out of nowhere, even when the person you fall for is right there all along."

I nod, understanding exactly what she's saying. Gavin has always been here. We've found ourselves at the same place at the same time throughout the years. I had parent-teacher conferences with him and his ex-wife last fall. We grew up in this town together, attending the same schools. Sure, we weren't ever in any classes together, but we did share the same halls. Isn't that where he said he saw me for the first time? In the hallway between classes?

My heart skips a beat just thinking about him.

"Go for it."

I turn my attention to her. "Go for what?"

Gavin.

I already know what she's going to say.

"Don't be afraid of it. Falling in love is totally scary, but it's so worth it," she says with a grin and a shrug. "I don't know where I'd be without TD. He's the second-best thing to happen to me." She doesn't have to explain the first is her son. "I can assume, since you're not talking about it and neither is anyone else in this town, you two aren't exactly public with whatever is going on, and that's okay. You'll get there. Just remember, this town has a way of finding out your secrets. And unfortunately, if they can't figure out the specifics, they'll just make them up."

I cringe at the thought. "Yeah, I definitely don't want that."

She leans in again. "I saw the way Gavin was looking at you on New Year's Eve. I truly hope he's everything you're looking for. He seems like such a sweet, kind guy. I don't remember him much in school, but I've waited on him and his daughter many times in the last few years, and he's a great dad."

I nod. "He is, and you're right about everything else too. He's just…amazing."

She grins widely. "I'm so happy for you," she blurts out, taking me in her arms and giving me a hug.

"Why are we happy for Ava?" Hallie asks as she and Blair approach, their bellies each leading the way.

Ellie doesn't say a word, not wanting to out me, but I know the two newcomers won't let it go without me giving them something. Especially Hallie. She's like a dog with a bone when she wants details, and by the look in her eyes, she's expecting them from me.

"I met someone," I announce, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness at finally telling someone about my relationship.

"Is it Gavin Pierson? I mean, you've always known him, but is he the one you're seeing?" Blair chimes in, eager for details too.

"Yes, Gavin! He's so pretty to look at," Hallie adds. "I bet he's spectacular without his shirt on. Those quiet, hardworking types usually are."

And…cue the blush again.

"She's blushing! That means yes," Hallie insists, her hands firmly on her swollen stomach.

My eyes widen and my cheeks heat up as I glance between the three woman who have become my closest friends. "How did you all know?"

"Are you kidding? You two were putting off major vibes at my place on New Year's Eve," Blair says.

"Totally. I mean, not the type of vibes Logan and I put out early on—"

"No one puts off those vibes. You guys were all ‘I want to kill you, but I'll screw your brains out instead' vibes," Blair interrupts her best friend.

Hallie grins. "Those drunken pissed-off moments were the best," she mutters in response, a knowing grin on her face.

"Yeah, naked angry banging moments," Ellie murmurs, making us all giggle.

"Let's get back to the point here," Blair chimes in, redirecting the conversation. "Gavin seems great, and we can tell there's chemistry there."

Nodding, I confirm, "There is. A lot of it."

"I knew it! You two were practically smokin' at the party, and I remember how he was looking at you last summer at my birthday party. He was totally undressing you with his eyes that night, banging you in his mind."

"Oh my God." I laugh, lightly swatting at her upper arm. "You're incorrigible."

Hallie just shrugs. "I can't help it. Pregnancy makes my brain think only of sex."

"It's true," Blair adds. "Gabe and I had sex on his desk at work on Friday because he was wearing a blue button-down with the sleeves rolled up to reveal his forearms. I was so turned on, I literally stripped off my pants and climbed on his desk like a beached whale. These hormones are no joke."

"Truth. I could have sex three times a day and still want more," Hallie states, making my eyes bug out of my head.

"Seriously?"

Both she and Blair nod.

I glance at Ellie and see hurt laced in her eyes. I'm sure hearing our friends talk about their pregnancies is hard on her. She wants a baby so badly, it must be difficult to see others around you pregnant when you want it too, even if those others are your friends. She'd never begrudge them, but that doesn't mean she doesn't feel grief by the fact she's not pregnant too.

"What do you say we get the rest of this stuff picked up and get out of here," I suggest.

"I can't wait to tear into that cheese when we get home," Blair says.

"You eat cheese, while Gabe puts the baby crib and swing together," I propose.

"Excellent idea," she agrees with a laugh.

"I'm going home to take advantage of my boyfriend," Hallie states, turning and looking for Logan over by the door where he's chatting with her brother, Gabe, and TD.

"Maybe we'll give the baby making another shot tonight," Ellie says.

"Yes!" we all holler.

"Go home and make a baby," Hallie adds as we all gather up the rest of the stuff we brought and head for the door.

"We're supposed to just shut off the lights when we're done. They'll come by later and take out the trash and lock the door," Ellie informs us.

Slipping on my coat, I make sure I have my leftover food and purse and step outside with my friends.

"Thank you," Blair whispers, giving me a big hug. "Today was absolutely amazing. You helped spoil our baby girl, and we appreciate you so much."

"You're welcome," I reply.

The moment she steps back, Hallie is there, throwing her arms around me too. "Yes, thank you. Both of you. We have the bestest friends in the world," she informs us, making us chuckle.

I have to admit, it feels good to be so loved by these incredible women. Sure, we went to school together, but even with our small class, we didn't exactly hang out often. We were cordial and kind, always there if someone needed something. It wasn't until we were adults, we connected and became friends. Sure, Blair and Hallie had always remained in contact after Blair left town, and Ellie was here through the college years raising her son, but once we all returned to Pine Village and stayed, we developed the friendship we have today.

After I went off to college, I lost track of my old high school friends, and when I returned home, none of my college friends were near me. Over the years, the occasional texts and phone calls became less and less frequent, and before I knew it, I was moving through life with just my family and a few acquaintances. Having these three women and their men in my life has been eye-opening.

And so very welcome.

Add in Gavin, and I'm living a pretty rich life right now.

"You know, I bet that chocolate dip and those strawberries will come in handy later," Hallie says to me the moment we pull apart.

"What?" I ask, pretty sure I don't really want to know where she's going with this.

"You can dip the strawberries in chocolate, drizzle it over Gavin's abs—or better yet, his…you know," she says, dropping her voice down, "and lick it off. Food and sex go hand in hand."

My face flames hot, and yes, this was exactly where I expected her to go with her comment.

She grins cheekily. "Just think about it. He'll love it, promise."

And then she walks over to Logan, slips her arm around his waist, and they walk to his truck together to head home. "She's not wrong, you know," Blair chimes in before she starts to head toward Gabe. "I expect a report back tomorrow on the whole chocolate and strawberries thing."

Ellie and I both sigh as we watch the two mommies-to-be leave the community center. "I serve food all day long. The last thing I want to do is serve it up on my husband's abs."

TD chokes, clearly having heard what she said as he approaches. "Do I wanna know?"

"Hallie," Ellie and I both state at the same time.

"Ahh, should have known. You ready, babe?" he asks Ellie, slipping his arm around her and pulling her into his side.

"Ready. Thanks again, for everything, Ava. I think we knocked this shower out of the park."

I nod in agreement. "Sure did. Talk to you later," I holler, making my way to my vehicle and climbing inside. I set the leftover container in the passenger seat and fire up my little SUV, seeking warmth from the heater. It only takes a few minutes to reach a comfortable temperature, but before I pull out of my parking spot, I fire off a quick text.

Me: All done with the shower. I have leftover food if you're hungry.

Gavin: I'm always hungry…for you.

I grin down at the device in my hand as images of chocolate and strawberries and a very naked Gavin enter my mind. Before I can suggest he come over for a while, he shoots me another message.

Gavin: I'm still out at Logan's cabin finishing up the flooring. Wanna come out and keep me company?

Logan had called Gavin on Friday, hiring him to install a new pine floor before the baby arrives. Logan actually asked him if he could start it Sunday, since he has a couple of big jobs coming up. He wanted to squeeze it in before he has to help build a new addition on a house.

Me: Are you sure? I can just go home and hang out there.

Gavin: No way. I'd much prefer your company.

Me: All right then. I'll head out.

Gavin: See you soon, beautiful.

Smiling, I slip my phone into the cupholder and head toward the Bluff Preserves where Logan's cabin is housed. The sun is starting to set, but there's still plenty of light yet. The days are getting longer as we approach March, and as much as I enjoy the different seasons of weather we have in Wisconsin, I'm ready for spring.

I pull onto the road that leads to the cabin, passing a few vehicles. February is a great time at the Bluff. Yes, it's cold, but the lake is still frozen for ice fishing, and it's a prime time to snowmobile, if that's your thing. Most of the cabins are always rented, even in the winter, for long weekend getaways.

A string of snowmobiles pass me just as I'm turning into Logan's driveway, each one waving as they go. There's something magical about this place. Whether you're a summer or a winter person, there's always plenty to do at the park.

I stop my vehicle beside Gavin's work truck and climb out. Movement catches out of the corner of my eye, and when I glance up at the porch, I find him standing there. He's wearing well-worn jeans with knee pads and a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He looks positively edible and makes my mouth water.

Reaching up, he grabs the rafter above his head. The motion causes his shirt to tighten over his arms, and while I've never been big on appearances, the sight of Gavin with his corded muscles and killer smile makes my thighs clench.

"Get up here and kiss me."

My heart squeezes in my chest. My smile is automatic. My legs carry me quickly up the stairs and into his waiting arms. The kiss is electric. Everything fades away. The birds chirping, the snowmobiles running nearby, the world around us. It all just disappears until it's only him and me left.

Nothing else matters.